Barak the Son of Abinoam

2022-10-03

Barak was Deborah the judge’s military general. The Israelites were seeking the Lord after years of rebellion and foreign rule, which was their pattern in the days of the judges. Barak was called to service by the judge to lead an army of 10,000 to Mount Tabor, and the Lord would bring the enemy, Jabin the Canaanite’s army led by his captain Sisera.

Barak was a reluctant man, as he wanted Deborah to go with him. Perhaps he lacked the faith in the Lord. Whatever it was, Deborah went with him, but he would lose the glory of defeating Sisera himself. A woman named Jael would get the glory for that.

This victory would have to be from the Lord. The enemy had 900 iron chariots, and Israel had no such thing. Moreover, the Lord Himself said He would bring Sisera’s army to Barak.

While Barak did as commanded, the result we see is this: “And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet” (Judges 4:15). Whatever people do, it is the Lord that will deliver every time.

Every Gentile in the multitude but Captain Sisera died in battle. “But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left” (Judges 4:16). The Lord used Jael to destroy the captain. Eventually, even Jabin himself was destroyed.

Barak’s faith in the Lord started weak, but it developed as he saw the promises unfold. His initial lack of obedience cost him in not getting victory over Sisera himself. Lack of faith and obedience will have consequences. But the Lord still brought Barak through and accomplished His perfect will through imperfect people. “Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam” (Judges 5:12).

Note that Barak, not Deborah, was mentioned in the “faith chapter” in Hebrews 11:32. I believe this is to show us the Lord still works in us to be what He wants us to be despite times when our faith fumbles.